The Farr Side: Overnight sensation Susan Boyle has immediate impact

Susan Boyle is proof that it’s possible to become an overnight sensation, well, overnight.

David T. Farr

The term “overnight sensation” has been used loosely over the years.

What we don’t usually realize is that it took a star years before dreams are finally realized, whether it was a certain song or film role that did it. To us, it seemed overnight.

Nowadays overnight sensation can actually mean just that. The Internet has changed the lives of people just by a click. Web sites like YouTube and MySpace can make that happen.

Susan Boyle is proof that it’s possible to become an overnight sensation, well, overnight.

Her appearance on “Britain’s Got Talent” has become one of the biggest draws on the Internet, drawing millions of viewers to YouTube. Last week alone, she received more than 25 million views on the popular site, including one from me.

I was flabbergasted by Boyle. She totally shocked me when the words to “I Dreamed A Dream” from "Les Miserables" came out of her mouth.

There stood a middle-aged woman who admittedly told Simon Cowell she had never been on a date and had never been kissed. Her appearance sort of alluded to that, but I’m not one to judge someone from looks alone.

Boyle, who is 47, is a church worker in her native Scotland. She had attended acting classes some 20 years ago but had let all of that go so she could care for her ailing mother.

The more I learned about Boyle, the more drawn to the clip I became. This is like a story right from Hollywood, but it’s real life, which is why it has taken so many people by storm and flooded the Internet with interest.

Cowell’s reaction alone is worth viewing the clip. He looked as if he was ready to attack his prey when she stepped before the “Britain’s Got Talent” judges, which also includes Piers Morgan.

Both Cowell and Morgan are perhaps the most critical judges of any reality TV show. Morgan also judges the American version of the show, too, and we all know how Cowell behaves on “American Idol.”

There’s no doubt in my mind that Boyle’s appearance on that show made her a star. With even two more competing rounds ahead for her on the show, she’s already made it whether Brits vote her through or not. Cowell’s not stupid, either. I could almost see him taking her under his wing.

I’m on MySpace a lot, sometimes too much. But my time there is not often wasted. There are numerous unsigned bands and singers on the site who post their music for people to hear. It’s brilliant in the aspect that you can reach the masses without someone telling you “no.”

I’ve enjoyed discovering new talent and seeing just what is available out there. I’m a firm believer in knowing the best singers and actors are still out there. Boyle is a prime candidate to prove my theory.

David T. Farr is a Sturgis (Mich.) Journal correspondent. E-mail him at farrboy@hotmail.com.